Angieville

It's the first Pretties post of the year! This one may be my favorite, because no matter which covers it features, they represent all my hopes for the year. All the possibilities, including new authors that might become old favorites and old favorites that surprise you in new ways. This time we've got two contemporaries and a historical. One wholly unexpected sequel. All YA. Bright Before Sunrise by Tiffany Schmidt This one's got a little of the Jennifer E. Smith This is What Happy Looks Like vibe going on. And while that one did not thrill me, this one has me interested. Opposites attract. Set in a 24 hour period. Something about it leads me to believe it might be solid. It might be the line, "He feels like the doggy bag from his mother's first marriage." Ha! Due out February 18th Poppy by Mary Hooper I've read one of Hooper's previous historicals and really appreciated the writing. This one is set in England on the cusp of World War I and ...

I don't know. I just don't know how any self-respecting book lover can see this book and not have to buy it immediately. I mean, look at that cover. It's gorgeous and haunting and somehow bursting with meaning all at once. As I mentioned before, it reminds me very much of the exquisite cover of  Marcelo in the Real World --a book I loved without reserve. All that put together had me on the edge of my seat to read it, and I had a lovely copy all ready and waiting for me on the nightstand in the nursery when I got home from the hospital. I tend to go through a massive rereading binge after having a baby. Like my battered body and mind need the comfort of intensely familiar stories and friends as part of the recovery process. But this was the first new book I read once I felt sufficiently rejuvenated to take on a whole new world. The physical book itself really is put together perfectly. The dust jacket has a matte finish that just calls out to be stroked. It was quite literal...

Apparently, I'm all about the covers lately. But don't these three look great? I've only read one of these authors before, but all three covers (and synopses) have me interested and excited. Quite different in tone, they each represent an upcoming young adult contemporary fiction title currently residing on my list.  The Survival Kit by Donna Freitas You know how much I loved Donna Freitas' This Gorgeous Game , and I have pretty much been looking forward to the release of this book ever since. I love the juxtaposition of photo and drawing on this cover, as well as the great font and title spacing. When Rose's mother passed away, she left her a brown paper bag "survival kit" to help her daughter get through the loss. As she ponders each item, she moves closer to that goal. Also, there is a gardener/hockey player named Will. Sign me up! Due out October 11th. Paradise by Jill S. Alexander I've not read Ms. Alexander's previous novel-- The Sweethea...